Brain testing for healthy people is mostly about a baseline: a scan or memory test now, so a change later can be spotted. Experts say there isn't enough evidence to screen people without symptoms, and brain scans often find harmless spots. If you've noticed memory changes, see a doctor instead.
The tests, in plain English
It's like taking a photo of your bookshelf before you move. On its own it doesn't tell you much. It helps later, when you want to know if anything changed.
Brain MRI with volumetrics
An MRI of the brain, with software that measures the size of brain areas and compares them with people your age. No radiation. It often finds small spots that turn out to be harmless.
For: People wanting a baseline who are ready for possible follow-upMemory and thinking tests
Computer or paper tests of memory, attention and speed. Your sleep, stress and mood that day can change the score, so a retest uses the same test.
For: People wanting a baseline, or who have noticed small changesBrain health in Baltimore, by the numbers
The rate of serious difficulty with memory or focus in Baltimore is lower than the national rate. About 1 in 8 adults in Baltimore have serious difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions, compared with about 1 in 7 nationally. That adds up to roughly 270,000 adults across five counties and the city of Baltimore.
CDC estimates. PLACES figures are modelled from a national health survey, not counted from medical records, so read them as estimates.
See how the six areas compare
| Area | Serious difficulty with memory or focus | Frequent mental distress | Depression |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore | 12.3% | 16.1% | 20.7% |
| Anne Arundel | 11.6% | 14.6% | 19.9% |
| Baltimore (city) | 16.0% | 18.4% | 23.5% |
| Howard | 9.1% | 12.4% | 17.7% |
| Harford | 11.7% | 15.4% | 21.6% |
| Carroll | 11.5% | 14.9% | 22.5% |
| Baltimore | 12.4% | 15.7% | 21.0% |
| United States | 14.3% | 16.5% | 21.6% |
Source: CDC PLACES, 2023 county estimates. Baltimore = Baltimore, Anne Arundel, Harford, Howard and Carroll counties and the city of Baltimore, weighted by adult population.
longevityclinicshub.comIf you've noticed changes in memory, focus or mood, start with your regular doctor. The tests above add detail, but they work best alongside that visit.
